Whole Foods

Let me start by giving a little background of myself. I am a former collegiate athlete, so I’ve always been a healthy individual in terms of eating and exercising. I was never really into sweets, such as, cookies, cakes, ice cream and candy. I was the kid that liked carrots, celery and fruit for snacks. However, my ultimate weakness is definitely anything that deals with carbohydrates. I mean I love bread with butter, pasta, rice and potatoes. If I could eat pasta for the rest of my life I would, pasta makes me so happy. I have always followed the food pyramid to some degree.

However, I cut out pork when I was in high school. The only thing pork related that I used to eat on a consistent basis was bacon. So once I discovered beef and turkey bacon I was in love and never looked back. I rarely eat chicken, turkey or fish so it was easy to cut those out as well.

With that being said, I have recently decided to pick up a whole foods plant-based diet. For those who do not know, a whole foods plant-based diet consists of the following

Now that I’m actually consistent with my diet, I definitely see changes in my body. I am not as bloated, I have energy, smaller portions fill me up and overall I just feel better. My body even looks more toned. Can you say summer body coming soon?

I know this particular diet may not be for everyone, especially for my carnivorous ladies, however it is always good to get a good intake of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens. A greater intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Carotenoid-rich and starchy vegetables (carrots, greens, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers) are high in antioxidants; provide a source of vitamin A; enhance immune function; and help reproductive system function. Fruits contain vitamins A, C, some B vitamins and minerals. For more information about the benefits of fruits and vegetables click here.

I can’t wait to see where this new lifestyle takes me!

My Journey To A Healthier Life was last modified: April 13th, 2016 by Sheesh

As a little girls and boys I know we all either had or thought about creating a lemonade stand. Our parents
would either provide us with lemons and our first dollar to start. We would get coins here and there but never in a million years would we think about having our lemonade sold on the shelves of a grocery store. Unlike many child lemonade start-ups, Mikaila Ulmer landed a $60,000 investment on ABC’s Shark Tank for her BeeSweet Lemonade, which will be in 55 Whole Foods shelves across Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

How did this 11 year-old create this outstanding lemonade?! Well this Austin, Texas sixth grader’s idea for the lemonade was brought upon by her parents. At the tender age of four, they encouraged her to make a product for children’s business competition and Austin’s Lemonade Day. During this time a bee had stung her two times her great grandmother just happened to send her a 1940’s cookbook, which included a recipe for special flaxseed lemonade. Although Mikaila was afraid of bees, they quickly fascinated her. She began learning about what they do for her and the ecosystem. She decided to combine honey with her great grandmothers flaxseed lemonade recipe and thus BeeSweet Lemonade was born.

She is not only a young, successful entrepreneur, but a bee advocate as well. She donates a percentage of her profits to local and international organizations that fight to save honeybees. When she’s not behind the lemonade stand, you can find her at workshops spitting knowledge on how to save honeybees and putting her skills to use at social entrepreneurship panels.

Our young queens are out here getting things done. I am overly exuberant and proud. She is such a great representation and role model to other young girls of color.

Anything is possible with the right push, motivation and most importantly, support.

11 Year Old Entrepreneur Takes On Whole Foods was last modified: May 5th, 2016 by Sheesh